Museum input wanted for Throne Speech
April 10, 2003
Premier Ernie Eves has launched a province-wide consultation designed to solicit the views of Ontarians prior to the Throne Speech, which will be delivered April 30. Culture Minister David Tsubouchi is encouraging all cultural stakeholders to participate in the process.
It is important that the views of museums, museum workers and all stakeholders (board, volunteers, friends, etc.) be heard in this consultation. The response deadline is April 17.
The consultation document, available online at www.premier.gov.on.ca/english/consultation/, provides a set of questions respondents are invited to answer. Questions 9 (Planning Better Communities) and 12 (Other Suggestions) provide the most optimal place to respond.
The following are key messages you may wish to include:
- Museums in Ontario, and yours in particular, play a vital role in preserving your communities’ strengths and culture. They are an affordable, safe and accessible place for Ontarians to learn about themselves and their history.
- Museum funding has been eroding for over a decade. A very modest investment in museum operating support will go a great distance in strengthening the ability of museums to contribute to the education and vitality of their communities. This is critical to sustaining the values we prize as Ontarians.
- Museums contribute both economically (tourism, etc.) and socially (outreach, volunteerism) to the strength and diversity of this province.
We suggest that you to elaborate on the specific points as they pertain to your museum.
You are encouraged to communicate this to Premier Ernie Eves, Minister David Tsubouchi and your MPP. Please note that this will require communicating by letter to the above-mentioned people and also by email, in addition to any online transmission sent directly to Premier Ernie Eves.
The OMA would appreciate receiving a copy of any communication you undertake for reference in any upcoming meetings with the Minister and Ministry staff.
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